Page "Kempston" Paragraph 2

The growth of Kempston's population levelled off in the early decades of the 20th century, with a rise of just 12 % between 1901 and 1931, but it then began to expand rapidly.

The 1951 population of just under 10, 000 was 60 % higher that that of 1931 ; in the second half of the 20th century, the population nearly doubled.

In 1974 Kempston Urban District was abolished and Kempston reverted to being a civil parish, in the Borough of Bedford but with a separate town council with minor powers.

For borough election purposes the town is divided into three wards called Kempston North, Kempston East and Kempston South.

Kempston Rural remains a civil parish and is part of Turvey Ward for borough election purposes.